At Brampton Primary School, we believe that children cannot learn effectively if they are absent from school. High attainment and progress are dependent on good attendance. Therefore, we aim to ensure that all pupils take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them and raise standards by promoting high levels of attendance and punctuality.
We expect all school personnel to promote excellent school attendance by acting as role models. Staff work hard to provide a learning environment in which all pupils are eager to learn, feel valued and enjoy coming to school. School personnel have a responsibility for identifying trends in attendance and punctuality.
On occasions, absence or lateness cannot be helped. In these circumstances, it is our policy to be supportive of the child and the family. We also give allowances for religious observances and individual family circumstances.
We believe that it is essential that parents are regularly reminded of the importance of good attendance and its links to pupil attainment. The Education Act 1996 clearly states that the prime responsibility of parents/carers is to ensure that their children attend school regularly.
It is essential for our school to have a strong working relationship with the Education Welfare Service. This service provides support for pupils and their families, promotes good pupil attendance, and works effectively to reduce persistent absence.
Please be aware that absence due to illnesses or appointments may not be automatically authorised. Your child’s attendance record and specific circumstances will be taken into consideration at these times.
The school will not authorise any holiday to be taken during term time.
Actions Brampton Primary School will take:
- On the first day of absence, the office will call home to ascertain the reason for absence;
- If a child’s attendance falls below 95%, a letter will be sent home; and
- If a child’s attendance falls below 90%, the Family Support Worker may need to carry out a Home Visit.
Action the Local Authority can take if your child misses school:
The Local Authority can send you a penalty notice (fine) if:
- Your child’s attendance falls below 90%in a term period without a good reason;
- You take your child out of school during term time (for holidays for example) without agreeing the leave with the school;
- Your child is delayed returning from a period of leave and you have not agreed this with the school;
- Your child arrives at school after the registers have closed more than 10 times; and
- Your child is excluded from school but is seen in a public place during the first five days of that exclusions.
The fine is £60.00 per parent, per child if you pay within 21 days of receiving the notice. If you do not pay the fine within 21 days, but pay it within 28 days, the cost will rise to £120.00. If you do not pay at all, the Local Authority may take legal action. For further information, please arrange an appointment to speak to the Headteacher at the School Office.
